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Sledding at Elm Bank

Massachusetts Horticultural Society restores sledding access for 2025/2026 winter season

This winter, community members may again use the sledding hill through a dedicated winter entrance—at no charge—whenever two inches or more of natural snowfall is present during the 2025–2026 winter season: from the first qualifying snowfall of 2025 through March 31, 2026.

When the Sledding Hill Will Be Open

The sledding hill will be open only when the Garden receives at least two inches of natural snowfall, as measured on-site by MHS staff. On days when this condition is met, the dedicated sledding gate will be unlocked from dawn until dusk. On all other days—including times with less than two inches of snow—the gate will remain closed.

Visitors are encouraged to check back here for operational updates that may be posted throughout the winter season.

A Growing Purpose

The sledding hill at Elm Bank has been enjoyed by families for many years. While this area is on its way to become a fully developed part of the core Garden at Elm Bank in the coming years, MHS will not prevent public access for sledding during the 2025–2026 winter season—from the first qualifying snowfall of 2025 through March 31, 2026. We are delighted that the increased garden programming in this area was enjoyed by 10,801 guests in 2025 and anticipate a growing use of this part of the garden as our family programs continue to expand.

Read the Press Release (December 2, 2025)
Read the FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

  • When will the sledding hill be open?

    The sledding hill will be open only when the Garden receives at least two inches of natural snowfall, as measured on-site by MHS staff. On days when this condition is met, the dedicated sledding gate will be unlocked from dawn until dusk. On all other days—including times with less than two inches of snow—the gate will remain closed.

  • How can I access the sledding hill?
    • Access is provided through a single, designated winter entrance located at the Northwest corner of the Elm Bank Soccer Fields.
    • Parking is permitted only in Elm Bank Reservation Parking Lot A.
    • The remainder of the Garden at Elm Bank—including buildings, gardens, parking lots and pathways—remains closed to the public for the winter season, except during Festival of Trees, MHS’s biggest fundraiser of the year.
    • There is no cost to access the sledding hill.
  • What kind of sleds are allowed?

    Allowed:

    • Standard toboggans
    • Foam sleds
    • Plastic sleds
    • Inflatable snow tubes

    Not allowed:

    • Skis or snowboards
    • Motorized devices
  • Is there a cost to use the sledding hill?

    No. Access is completely free.

  • What should I do in an emergency?

     Call 911 immediately.

The sledding hill will be open only when the Garden receives at least two inches of natural snowfall, as measured on-site by MHS staff. On days when this condition is met, the dedicated sledding gate will be unlocked from dawn until dusk. On all other days—including times with less than two inches of snow—the gate will remain closed.

  • Access is provided through a single, designated winter entrance located at the Northwest corner of the Elm Bank Soccer Fields.
  • Parking is permitted only in Elm Bank Reservation Parking Lot A.
  • The remainder of the Garden at Elm Bank—including buildings, gardens, parking lots and pathways—remains closed to the public for the winter season, except during Festival of Trees, MHS’s biggest fundraiser of the year.
  • There is no cost to access the sledding hill.

Allowed:

  • Standard toboggans
  • Foam sleds
  • Plastic sleds
  • Inflatable snow tubes

Not allowed:

  • Skis or snowboards
  • Motorized devices

No. Access is completely free.

 Call 911 immediately.

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